In the last month, three cases of tuberculosis have been referred to the health department. Which of the following is the priority information for the community health nurse to obtain from each client?

Choice A reason: Encouraging the family to join a support group is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important intervention that can help the family cope with the challenges and stress of caring for a client who has dementia, but it should be done after the nurse has established rapport and trust with the family.

Choice B reason: Providing the family with information about respite care is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important intervention that can help the family access temporary relief from their caregiving responsibilities, but it should be done after the nurse has assessed the family's needs and preferences.

Choice C reason: Educating the family regarding the progression of dementia is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important intervention that can help the family understand the nature and course of the disease, and prepare them for the future changes and challenges, but it should be done after the nurse has evaluated the family's level of knowledge and readiness to learn.

Choice D reason: Engaging the family in informal conversation is the first action that the nurse should take. This is based on the principle of communication, which states that the nurse should initiate and maintain a therapeutic relationship with the client and the family. The nurse should use informal conversation to introduce herself, express interest and empathy, and create a comfortable and respectful atmosphere. The nurse should also use open-ended questions, active listening, and nonverbal cues to elicit the family's concerns, expectations, and goals.

Choice A reason: Motor vehicle safety is the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is the leading cause of death for adolescents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are the top cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds globally, accounting for 115 000 deaths in 2019¹. Adolescents are vulnerable road users, especially as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for road traffic injuries, such as wearing seat belts, helmets, and reflective clothing, avoiding distractions, alcohol, and drugs, and following traffic rules and signs.

Choice B reason: Sports injury prevention is not the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Sports injuries are common among adolescents, as they are physically active and participate in various sports and recreational activities. Sports injuries can cause pain, disability, or death, depending on the type, severity, and location of the injury. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for sports injuries, such as warming up, cooling down, stretching, using protective equipment, and seeking medical attention when needed.

Choice C reason: Substance abuse prevention is not the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Substance abuse is the harmful use of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, that can affect the health and well-being of adolescents. Substance abuse can cause acute or chronic effects, such as intoxication, overdose, addiction, organ damage, or mental disorders. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for substance abuse, such as avoiding peer pressure, coping with stress, seeking help, and accessing treatment.

Choice D reason: Gun safety is not the topic that the nurse should give priority to, as it is not the leading cause of death for adolescents. Gun safety is the practice of using firearms in a safe and responsible manner, to prevent accidental or intentional injuries or deaths. Gun safety can involve proper handling, storage, and disposal of firearms, as well as education and awareness about the dangers and consequences of gun violence. The nurse should educate the adolescents about the risk factors and prevention strategies for gun safety, such as avoiding access to firearms, reporting threats, and supporting non-violent solutions.